New inspiration and new projects

I love going to museums and admiring some of my favorite artists and discovering new ones too! My goal for this year was to visit a different art exhibit every month and get inspired by different artist and interpret my favorite pieces in my own style just for fun. I don't know about you but every time I go to a museum I want to run home and paint or make something, so this idea was about actually holding myself accountable to do something with that excitement. Obviously it's the end of July, and I'm a little late in starting this series for the year but better late than never :)

I'll be honest, extreme stress affected my creativity and I lost my energy and passion for a while. I was definitely going through a dry spell and a creative block for months on end. If you go through this, I encourage you not to give up and keep drawing or doing your thing even if it's repetitive, boring, or what you think is not your best work. You never know what will come from a silly idea, random concept or mistake :)

I love going to the Kimbell Museum because they always have the best Impressionist exhibits which I love! The exhibit I saw was from the Phillips Collection, which including Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and Bonnard just to name a few. I had never heard of Pierre Bonnard but I quickly fell for his dreamy brush strokes.

The Palm, Woman with Dog and The Open Window all by Bonnard

This orange Degas was stunning, I love the contrast of the background with light blue dancers 

I knew immediately I wanted to start my "Inspired by" project with this piece in mind.

Dancers at the Barre

I love bright colors so this was a no brainer. I added some bright coral to the original palette and I really love how Degas seemed to "sketch" with black paint the details of the body and I went a little crazy with the black accents but I'm ok with that :)

I kinda wanted to do a traditional medium but I started playing on my iPad instead. I really love procreate because the paintbrushes and other tools are so life-like in appearance. It's instant gratification without the mess and effort of actual paint and I'm all about getting started as soon as possible! 

closeup collage :P

What's your favorite type of art? Where do you get inspiration? Do you have a "go to" place? I love hearing about other people's interests and techniques :) 

Happy creating friends!!!

Floral Print Excitement

I'm not much of a girly girl but I am sucker for a floral print. Most of my favorite clothes have some kind of floral or abstract pattern. Unfortunately for me flowers are hard to draw, I have tried for years to come up with shapes and details that don't look to cartoony only to come up with unsatisfying results. But now I've finally made progress worth celebrating!
As some of you know when drawing a pattern you start with a focal point and then add in smaller bits to fill around to create a repeat. This is a focal point I'm finally happy with.

Here is the repeat print with different flowers, bees and humming birds added in.

What's funny about this whole process is I used a different drawing app for this project. Procreate is a favorite for painterly effects and I often use it in abstract pieces but not usually when I'm making a repeat pattern that's where Adobe Illustrator's pattern making tool shines- but there's a first time for everything!

I'm really excited to experiment further and make better patterns to list in my society6 shop and maybe get some fabric printed - the possibilities are endless with a floral print!
What's your favorite go to print to wear and have in your everyday? I don't know about you but florals always make me happy! :)

Home Decor Roundup

Hello again, it's been a crazy year and I've missed blogging so I'm getting back into the swing of things with this home decor roundup. I don't know about you but whenever Target starts putting out the college dorm stuff I get pretty excited! They usually have great prints in everyday items that add a little pop of color into your day. I've been wanting to update some things around the house- so here's what's on my wishlist.

 

A. Striped Chair from Anthropologie

This one is definitely wishlist material- the pattern is really fun :)

B. Pineapple Lamp from Target

Target is killing it with the home decor cuteness, their Pillowfort line is cute for kids and on trend for adults with a sense of humor.

C. Throw Pillow from Society6

If you don't know already I love a good abstract pop of color. This pillow is actually one of my designs,  I'm hoping to paint more this summer.

D. Kitty Planter from Pony People

I love Pony People's adorable cat products and these adorable cat head planters are forever on my wishlist because they sell out so fast

E. Modern Loveseat from Wayfair

Such a pretty color and a great price too

F. End Table with Shelves from Target

I do love the Threshold line - it always has a modern feel and looks more expensive than it is.

G. "Hello" Wall Hook from Urban Outfitters 

I love having phrases around and this functional wall hook is awesome.

H. Iridescent Trash Can from Urban Outfitters 

This cute trash can makes the everyday a little more vibrant.

What home decor items are on your list?

I'm plan to work on more art related posted very soon. Hope you are having an awesome summer!

Summer POPS!

Hi,

Long time -no blogging. What can I say I got really distracted with instagram and had nothing fun to share. I thought it was time I did a fun fashion round up about ice pops or popsicles depending on where you're from :)

I've been in love with this watercolor ice cream/pop print (Kate Spade bag #2) since a saw it a few months ago.
What sounds better in the summer time  than a cold refreshing popsicle. It's officially summer in Texas,  it hit over 90 the other day so yeah that's my marker........anything past the 80's and you can't call it spring anymore! I love a happy, fun print and what's more fun then ice pops in the summer time.
Here's my round up:

1. tiny ice pop print shirt dress
2. watercolor ice cream/pop print tote bag
3.  ice pop earrings
4.  colorful frozen treat print dress 
5.  summer treats tee
6. ice pop coin purse
7. ice pop print long sleeve top

I really love Kate Spade's whimsical girly details that make life so colorful and fun :)
It inspired me to a fun colorful print of my own. Which is now in my shop.

What are you excited about this summer?

blog anniversary

February marks my blog anniversary, four years I can't believe it! I've made a lot of progress on some of my projects others not so much but I'm excited for where this year will take me and what I can get accomplished :)

I started this blog to share my progress on my creative endeavors and my thoughts on fashion and baking so here's what I'm excited about now

I'm trying to move out of my comfort zone I really like girly dresses in theory but in reality don't like my legs too much, my solution tunic with leggings perfect for winter or whatever were having this season ;) I really like this printed one I got on sale  at old navy. I love happy bold prints :)

Im trying to take the time to celebrate the seasons I got into Valentine's day by designing cute little valentines with corny messages

And I drew my dogs in cartoon version and made a strawberry cake with sprinkle designs - hello cookie cutter as a stencil hack :)

Oscar season is upon us and while I'm behind on my must see movie list I was so happy I got the chance to see Brooklyn the costumes are a dream and Saoirse Ronan gorgeous in the clothes of the era and gives an amazing performance! It inspires me to do a retro drawing project :)

Girl Scout Cookie season has snuck up on me. I'm trying not to bust into my thin mints just yet, I love them from the freezer nothing like frozen minty chocolate-y goodness and this week in particular I think thin mints really do make everything better :) Here's the link 

That's what's new with me. I hope to write better content this year, more DIY posts and fashion round ups and fun recaps of new projects!

What's new with you?

Birthday Fun

My ideal birthday celebration would include art, food, fabric and friends of course! This weekend I got to enjoy all those things because I planned a belated birthday fun day for myself  and think I will schedule it for January next year as well. You need something to get you out of the Christmas doldrums lol

Here's what we did! I've been looking forward to the Kehinde Wiley exhibit at the Modern Museum of Art, for quite a while. I had seen a couple pieces of his work there before a few years ago for the first time. I was captivated by his use of pattern and photo realistic portraits. Here's me with my friends and some of my favorite pieces from the show

The painting with her back turned to the viewer and this last one with the blue flowers are my favorites :)

If you are interested in his process, I highly recommend this pbs documentary that is about this very exhibit it was kinda cool, to know the steps that go into the finished piece and to see which past works of art he reimagines and gets inspiration from.

Then we tried a fun burger place called Rodeo Goat!  The burgers are huge and have fun and I tersting toppings and sauces, and homemade chips and tasty fries. They gave veggie and turkey burgers too, lots of options sure to please everyone.
I also saw a Great Dane wearing a purple sweatshirt for a human lol it was so cute and hilarious at the same time. This is my sketch of her just had to document it! 

Then we went to cabbage rose, a fabric store that is probably the best one in Ft. Worth, in my opinion.  fabric as far as the eye can see,  mostly quilting cotton, all the popular designers, Amy butler, mica, etc. and they have coated canvas, flannel, fleece in awesome prints and they have patterns and notions too! I'll quit gushing here's their website take a look for yourself. I could spend hours in there pouring over every bolt and dreaming of possible projects :) ps and by the way they are having an end of year sale 35% off ;)

Here's what I got, I'm really obsessed with floral as it turns out both in fabric and in art, I think the kehinde exhibit inspired my purchase :)

I hope to make some skirts sewn to a store bought knit top. I've been saying that for years but I really want this year to be forward moving and actually doing things I want to do instead of being afraid to fail.... More on that later.  What is your ideal day?

instagram dinosaur set sale this week!

I loved making dinosaur stuff for awhile now & I'm so excited to see the good dinosaur movie that I decided to put together a dinosaur print & plush set in time for Christmas  the set features 1 dino print 8x10 on archival paper printed with high quality Epson ink. (frame not included) and 1 dino Minky plush stuffed animal with colorful dino print on backside. Dino plush measures 8" x 12".

 I only have 1 boy set & 1 girl set available .The price for the set is normally is $46 but it's on sale for $40 + $11 for priority shipping .The sets will go on sale tomorrow  Monday 12/7 @ 6pm CT time on Instagram Leave your email  and which set you want boy or girl to purchase and I will send you an invoice through PayPal. First come first serve.

favorite winter look

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! As I reflect on the things that have happened this year, some calm and some very crazy... they have made me so grateful for my supportive family and friends and sweet little puppies :)

yeah I like to draw accessories on them since they don't like wearing costumes lol

 I have been working on this fashion sketch outfit idea for quite awhile, I was thinking at first I wanted to make it a post of things I would actually wear, and that kept changing, and since I draw animals so much I quickly realized I was just a little rusty on drawing girls so here we are: my favorite look for winter! I got the inspiration for this sketched fashion post from Joy @ oh Joy blog and Kate of Scathingly Brilliant who have done fun versions of their own.

Ok, so lets talk about the pieces of a winter outfit that most women look for every winter season, a sweater update, a fun transitional top, jeans you can tuck your boots into and new boots of course!

Cardigan: I'm always on the hunt for a long cardigan that is possibly a jewel tone and MUST HAVE POCKETS! This chevron striped cardigan from Target doesn't disappoint, it is a lovely deep teal color has an awesome chevron weave and pockets a win-win in my book and it's even on sale now


The transitional top: I often wear short sleeves or a tank top with a sweater when its not that cold out, I love a patterned top, because patterns make me happy and I feel like that they might camouflage my extra weight a little better, I could be delusional but who knows :P This purple patterned top is from Old Navy and would look fun with a cardigan.

Denim Jeggings: confession time.....I've been stuck in a yoga leggings rut since my surgery over a year ago, they are just so comfy and go with everything, that's kind of a cop out but I couldn't find anything resembling jeans that I liked especially since everything is going 70's inspired (high-waisted and flared leg) I still think there is a place for low rise skinny jeans and that is boot season! I found these at American Eagle their new collection is supposed to have superior stretch retention etc. They are even more on sale today than their normal sale of buy one/ get one 50% off
so if you've been thinking about it, now is the time to pounce!

Studded boots: Trying to find a cardigan with pockets is difficult, trying to find awesome boots with the right toe shape and not too much heel and some hardware to boot is nearly impossible. I have succeeded this season and you might laugh but easy spirit has some comfortable and cute shoes, including these boots which are now on sale!!!


So this was a fun post to do, I think I might do more in the future! What pieces are you looking to add to your winter wardrobe and what items are you really excited about?!

Happy Weekend to you!!!

Fall update!

Well I’m doing really bad on the whole “sticking to a schedule” thing
The pups are my day to day focus and have grown leaps and bounds!

They didn’t enjoy their Halloween hot dog costume too much but did enjoy chewing on pumpkin stems ;)

As far as projects go I was able to do a fun new drawing of one of my favorite movies of all time
Nightmare Before Christmas!

see more here

  Society6 has so many fun products that lend themselves to prints now (like the all over print t shirts, leggings, travel mugs and blanket throws!!!) how can you not want to design prints all the time! I kinda want one of those blanket throws for Christmas :)

see more here

I’ve been working on a custom elephant order as well! I designed this little guy for a baby shower and he’s been quite popular. I love a cute little elephant :) Getting my projects done during nap time of course ;)

I can’t believe it’s already November and summer is officially gone in Texas, it always drags it’s feet and then in warp speed (always right around Halloween it never fails) one rainy weekend we transfer to Fall just like that! I’m so ready for scarfs, sweaters and boots. I’m so excited in fact that I’m going to do a fashion post!

And Fall movies I’m excited for those too! Just saw Bridge of Spies this past weekend (it was awesome, who doesn’t love Tom Hanks?) and the new Bond movie comes out Friday!! Wahoo!


Well that’s all for now! How was everyone’s October? What are you excited for this Winter season?

Dreaming and Wishing for Fall

I'm writing this post one handed as I hold a sleeping puppy in my lap, last week I got not 1 but 2 puppies, I've never had two dogs before so this has been a new and exciting experience! Their personalities are so funny and they have definitely kept me busy this last week and for the foreseeable future I will no longer have time to mull about and procrastinate which is good I guess :)

Fall is my favorite time of year, probably because Texas summers are so brutal and any relief is a much welcome change, I love fall fashion, hot drinks and talking walks in the cooler weather. Not to mention Halloween, I've always loved celebrating, decorating pumpkins, costumes and candy.
One of my favorite movies of all time is Nightmare before Christmas so I always like to watch it especially in the Fall.

working on some new designs

I've added Halloween prints in my shop: a trick or treat bunny, a cute little spider and happy candy corn

and I finished some more candy corn plushies, a girl with a bow and happy candy corn

and pillow covers my dear  friend quilted with my spider panel in the middle that has embroidery detail on the web!!

one with angled strips

one with straight strips

I'm trying to get more stuff in my shop soon, here's my latest work in progress

Hope to share more soon :)

My New Favorite Summer Outfit

My new favorite summer outfit consists of a super fun button front tank and some drawstring crop pants! Even better they were both on sale!!! The top is from Anthropologie, and I was able to get it on sale I'm normally don't like button downs or woven fabric in the summer ....too hot, but this flowy tank is a breathable synthetic blend similar here.  I really love the print on this tank it has a retro feel and the buttons are so cute too!

I'm a sucker for the little details and Anthropolgie always does a great job. I also rediscovered my Revlon ColorBurst Lip Stain in Smitten, I forgot what nice burst of color it adds, I'm all about minimal effort for a great look.

And let's talk about the fact that stretchy pants are all the range, there are no structured capris hardly anywhere to be found. This summer the palazzo, gaucho, and jogger pant reign and I don't think anyone could be mad that a stretchy waistband is actually in vogue. The drawstring capris I got are from Landsend, they are a very nice feeling Tencel fabric and they feel a bit dressier than yoga pants
and there's pockets to boot.

So let's celebrate the summer of stretchy pant, because you never know how long a trend will last.
I think Mindy Kaling but it best.

Yep, I agree! What summer trends are you excited about?